Authorities in the United States have levied a $22 million fine on Smith & Nephew over bribes paid to Greek doctors to induce sales of the company’s medical devices.

The London-based healthcare company, which specialises in surgical equipment, including artificial hips and knees, admitted yesterday that a distributor in Greece had made “improper payments” over a decade running up to 2008.

According to charges laid by the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, sums of $9.4 million were paid by Smith & Nephew to an offshore shell company controlled by the Greek distributor.